The American Royals Series in Order

About the American Royals series

Series Premise

The series is set in an alternate version of America where George Washington accepted a crown, establishing a royal lineage that continues into the present day. At the center of the story is the Washington family, whose members occupy positions of immense privilege and responsibility—but also face intense expectations and limitations.

The core premise revolves around the lives of young royals and those in their orbit as they navigate love, duty, ambition, and personal freedom. As the next generation comes of age, questions of succession, public image, and individual desire create a web of tension. Romantic entanglements—often complicated by status and secrecy—drive much of the narrative, but they are deeply intertwined with larger themes of legacy and self-determination.

The series thrives on the contrast between outward perfection and inner conflict, revealing the emotional cost of living in a gilded world where every choice is scrutinized.

Main Characters

The series features an ensemble cast, with multiple protagonists whose perspectives intertwine.

* Princess Beatrice Washington – As the heir to the throne, Beatrice carries the weight of future leadership. Composed and dutiful, she often suppresses her personal desires in favor of responsibility. Her journey centers on balancing her role as a symbol of the nation with her need for authentic connection.

* Princess Samantha Washington – Beatrice’s younger sister, Samantha is spirited, rebellious, and less constrained by expectation—though not immune to its effects. Her storyline explores independence, self-worth, and the search for a place within a rigid hierarchy.

* Prince Jefferson Washington – Charismatic and widely admired, Jefferson embodies the ideal of a modern prince. However, beneath his charm lies uncertainty about his own path, particularly when it comes to love and identity.

* Nina Gonzalez – A close friend of the royal family, Nina offers an outsider’s perspective on palace life. Her relationships blur the lines between personal and political, highlighting the challenges of navigating intimacy within a world defined by status.

* Daphne Deighton – Ambitious and socially strategic, Daphne represents the elite circle that surrounds the royals. Her character adds complexity to the narrative, embodying both vulnerability and calculated determination.



Supporting & Recurring Characters

A wide range of supporting figures enrich the story, including members of the royal household, political advisors, family friends, and romantic interests. These characters contribute to the intricate social web that defines the series.

* Royal parents and advisors – They reinforce the expectations placed on the younger generation, often prioritizing tradition and stability over personal happiness.

* Friends and rivals – Social circles overlap, creating a dynamic environment where loyalty and competition coexist.

Setting

The story unfolds across a reimagined United States infused with royal tradition. From the grandeur of palaces and historic estates to elite boarding schools and exclusive social events, the setting reflects a blend of American culture and monarchical influence.



Washington, D.C. serves as a central hub of political and royal life, symbolizing both authority and visibility. Other locations—ranging from private residences to high-profile public venues—highlight the contrast between the characters’ public roles and private struggles.



The world-building is particularly notable for how seamlessly it integrates monarchy into familiar American institutions, creating a setting that feels both recognizable and intriguingly altered.

Tone & Themes

The tone combines glamour with emotional intensity. There is a strong sense of luxury—lavish events, designer fashion, and opulent settings—but beneath the surface lies a current of vulnerability and conflict. The storytelling often feels dramatic and immersive, with elements of romance, rivalry, and intrigue driving the pace.

Key themes include:
* Duty versus desire – Characters frequently struggle between what is expected of them and what they truly want.
* Identity and individuality – Living under a public identity forces characters to question who they are beyond their roles.
* Love under pressure – Romantic relationships are shaped—and often strained—by status, secrecy, and external expectations.
* Power and privilege – The series examines both the advantages and constraints of royal life.
* Friendship and betrayal – Alliances shift as ambitions and emotions collide.

The American Royals series is a compelling blend of romance, drama, and speculative history, offering a glimpse into a world where crowns and constitutions coexist. Katharine McGee crafts a narrative that is as emotionally engaging as it is visually dazzling, drawing readers into the complexities of life at the top.

What lingers most is the tension between image and reality. Behind the tiaras and traditions are young people striving to define themselves in a system that resists change. Their struggles—though heightened by circumstance—feel deeply human: the desire to be loved, to be understood, and to choose one’s own path.

In the end, the series suggests that even in the most privileged of lives, freedom is not guaranteed—it must be claimed, often at great personal cost.